We were thrilled to partner with the Learning and Development Institute (L&DI) again this year at the National Training Conference 2024 held at Croke Park earlier this month. The day was filled with engaging activities and provided excellent opportunities for networking within the L&D community. Attendees were inspired by a line up of excellent speakers who shared their insights on various topics. Below is a recap of the events and discussions that took place.

The morning began with an insightful talk from Danny McCoy, CEO of IBEC, who addressed pressing concerns regarding the Irish economy. He highlighted that while the influx of capital may be creating a façade of productivity, underlying issues must be tackled, as this capital is not a permanent solution, especially in light of the shifting global political and economic landscape.

McCoy also emphasized the necessity of enhancing productivity through investment in skills, urging the incoming government to prioritize education and reskilling initiatives to leverage advancements in artificial intelligence. He noted that although the world currently enjoys full employment, the nature of jobs is evolving significantly, meaning that economies must adapt to these changes.

Furthermore, he criticized the outgoing government’s lack of action regarding the National Training Fund, stressing that the new administration must take decisive steps to bolster this fund to ensure that Ireland’s workforce is equipped for the future.

Next on stage was Matt Beane, researcher and author of the inspiring book The Skill Code: How to Save Human Ability in an Age of Intelligent Machines, who addressed the evolving dynamics of the expert-novice relationship. He pointed out that technology is creating friction in this relationship, which has historically been essential for knowledge transfer and skill development. Beane warned that we risk sacrificing the development of new experts for the sake of immediate productivity and instant gratification. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of business leaders to leverage technology to enhance this relationship, focusing on three key areas for effective skill development:

• Challenge – Where tasks push individuals to their limits
• Complexity – Which introduces elements that foster mastery
• Connection – Highlighting the importance of interpersonal relationships in motivation and learning.

He also introduced the concept of shadow learners or individuals who step outside traditional learning paths to future-proof their skills by recognizing trends and dedicating time to emerging fields. For example, a junior doctor might pursue knowledge in robotics, thereby becoming a valuable resource for senior doctors grappling with new technologies. This proactive approach not only enriches their own learning but also enhances the overall capability of their teams.

Following this, Enovation’s own Chief Product Officer, Mark Melia was joined by two other industry experts, John O’Shaughnessy from Clancy Construction and Sinead Kelly from William Fry to discuss the skills code in practice with Matt Beane. They discussed the impact of AI across various sectors, including software development, and the construction and legal industries respectively.

Mark Melia emphasized the importance of considering annual business results from an SME perspective, noting that smaller companies often require support to make necessary skill investments.

Following him, John O’Shaughnessy discussed the integration of AI in construction, particularly in managing costly bids. He highlighted the development of a large language model (LLM) to evaluate Requests for Tenders (RFTs) and assess tender responses, while also stressing the need for widespread education about AI’s potential within the business. O’Shaughnessy formed a “ninja team” dedicated to exploring AI applications to enhance their operations. 

Sinead Kelly shared insights on utilizing AI in a conservative business environment, showcasing key victories with tools like Co-pilot and reiterating that educating staff is crucial for maximizing AI’s benefits.

Mark Melia cautioned against the risk of diminishing grit and tenacity among junior staff if answers are too readily provided, asserting that learning to persevere is essential. He also noted that while learning and development typically excel in complexity and challenge, they often struggle with fostering connections. Mark proposed that AI can bridge this gap by helping individuals find mentors, enabling managers to provide real-time feedback, and serving as a virtual coach in the absence of traditional coaching support.

As the conference drew to a close, Kathy Enderes, Senior Vice President of Research and Global Industry Analyst at the Josh Bersin Company, explored the significant trends impacting the learning industry, particularly the rapid changes driven by AI. She provided an overview of how learning platforms are evolving to deliver the right content at the right time, enhancing the overall learning experience.

Enderes issued a clear call to action for the learning technology sector, urging it to harness AI effectively to minimize non-value-added administrative tasks. By doing so, the industry can dedicate this extra time by providing personalized and meaningful learning experiences that cater to individual needs and preferences, ultimately transforming how organizations approach skill development and education in a fast-changing landscape.

Overall, the conference was a great success. The stellar line up of speakers from different industries made it an engaging and thought-provoking event for the listeners. The theme of ‘sustaining organisation growth and creating a new vision for L&D in the age of AI’ shone through from start to finish. It provided a lot of food for thought as organisations seek to find ways to harness their resources, in the form of technology and skills, for a more enhanced learning experience.